ROSCOE – After opening their seasons in the Deposit/Hancock (DH) tournament, both Roscoe and Livingston Manor returned with 1-1 records. Following a week and a half long break, the Blue Devils and Wildcats were back in action on Tuesday night, squaring off for the first time since their non-league season opener. The only difference this time, is that a league win was on the line.

The two teams got a good look at each other in the DH tournament, but Roscoe’s big three shooters helped the Blue Devils to a 64-32 win. Roscoe hoped to repeat that performance in their home opener, but the Wildcats had other plans.

Defense won the day for both teams, as they combined for just 64 points. Roscoe was victorious, winning 39-25.

Roscoe got off to a slow start, and with Aiden Johnston getting into foul trouble early, had a tough time getting to the basket. At the halfway point of the first quarter, Livingston Manor was leading 5-4, but the Blue Devils rallied to finish the frame on an 8-0 run.

Livingston Manor won the second quarter, outscoring Roscoe 9-8 and cutting the Blue Devil lead to 6 by halftime.

Roscoe’s press was more effective in the second half, they were forcing turnovers but did not capitalize as much as they did in their first matchup, only outscoring the Wildcats 10-6 in the third quarter.

Leading 30-20 entering the fourth, the Blue Devils hung in for the league win, outscoring the Wildcats 9-5 in the final frame.

Anthony Teipelke led all scorers with 22 points, while Livingston Manor was led by Daniel Tolbert with 13. 

“I’m happy with the adjustments we made. We hustled on defense, we just missed some shots. We have a very young team, and Roscoe is a good team. Hopefully we’ll improve because we have another shot against them in a few weeks,” Livingston Manor Coach Charlie Hicks said after the game.

“Manor is much improved. We came out flat tonight and we’re going to have to do better tomorrow against Deposit/Hancock,” Roscoe Coach Mike Hill said following the win.

The Blue Devils did come out better, however, as they earned a non-league victory over Deposit/Hancock on Wednesday 54-41. Anthony Teipelke scored 25 points and Aiden Johnston added 19 against their Section IV opponents.